Food Demonstration as A Behavioural Change Communication Strategy for Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition: A Descriptive Observational Study
Keywords:
Food demonstration, Behaviour Change Communication, , Maternal nutrition, Complementary feeding, Infant and Young Child Feeding, Nutrition counselling, Nigeria.Abstract
Malnutrition remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Inadequate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices contribute substantially to this burden. Food demonstration, a practical component of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), can help translate nutrition knowledge into feasible, context-specific feeding practices by giving mothers and caregivers hands-on experience preparing nutritious meals using locally available foods. However, its integration into routine maternal, infant, and young child nutrition counselling remains limited in many healthcare settings. Objective: This study assessed the role of food demonstrations as a Behaviour Change Communication strategy in maternal nutrition education and infant and young child feeding practices among mothers attending a tertiary hospital in Makurdi, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive, observational study was conducted among antenatal and postnatal women, mothers/caregivers attending immunization and paediatric outpatient clinics, and healthcare workers at the Teaching Hospital of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. Fifty-five (55) mothers/caregivers and fifteen (15) healthcare workers who were present and accessible on the day of data collection were recruited using total population sampling. Data were collected using pretested, structured questionnaires, followed by health education sessions and practical food demonstrations using locally available foods. Descriptive statistics summarized participants' sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to nutrition counselling and food demonstrations, and reported infant and young child feeding practices. Results: Most mothers/caregivers were aged 25–34 years (61.8%), married (87.3%), and had tertiary-level education (69.1%). Although 90.9% correctly identified the concept of food demonstration, only 32.7% had previously participated in one. Overall, 61.8% reported receiving nutrition counselling, most commonly through one-on-one sessions (44.1%) and group discussions (35.3%), whereas only 11.8% reported receiving food demonstrations. Reported complementary feeding practices were predominantly cereal-based, with limited inclusion of animal-source foods and fruits, indicating potential gaps in dietary diversity despite relatively high levels of maternal nutrition knowledge. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a substantial gap between mothers' knowledge and practical exposure to food demonstrations. Food demonstrations were infrequently incorporated into routine nutrition counselling, despite their potential value as a Behaviour Change Communication strategy.
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